The Tox Lab

The Tox Lab
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The Tox Lab is a podcast dedicated to exploring the science of toxicology and its real-world implications. Each week we aim to break down complex research, investigate real-life cases, and discuss emerging trends in toxicology. Disclaimer: All opinions are our own. Find us on instagram: @the_tox_lab Email us here: thetoxlab@gmail.com

  1. Episode 48: Mushroom Toxicology – Trends, Toxins, and Mislabelled Products

    3D AGO

    Episode 48: Mushroom Toxicology – Trends, Toxins, and Mislabelled Products

    This week on The Tox Lab, we’re embracing autumn and diving into the fascinating, and sometimes dangerous, world of mushrooms. We explore ten years of mushroom exposure data reported to the UK National Poisons Information Service, examining the species most often involved and the mechanisms behind their toxicity. We also take a look at commercial products containing mushrooms and discuss a paper showing that some may not always contain what they claim. Join us as we unpack the science, the surprises, and the toxicology of mushrooms this autumn. Hope you enjoy! Links to papers we discussed: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15563650.2025.2507357 https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2838765 https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/sabs/Documents/2024-sn-015.pdf Disclaimer: All opinions are our own. Find us on instagram: @the_tox_lab Email us here: thetoxlab@gmail.com

    24 min

  2. SEP 29

    Episode 47: Clozapine – Unpacking the Complexities of a Unique Antipsychotic

    This week on The Tox Lab, we’re taking a closer look at clozapine, a highly effective antipsychotic with a complex toxicological profile. We review a study from Western Sydney examining cases of self-poisoning and adverse drug reactions, discuss a case of chronic clozapine toxicity, and explore new research into its effects on cardiac mitochondria. From clinical outcomes to cellular mechanisms, we unpack the risks, challenges, and unanswered questions around this fascinating but unpredictable drug. Hope you enjoy! Links to the papers we discussed: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10522536/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11954577/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214750025001088?via%3Dihub Disclaimer: All opinions are our own. Find us on instagram: @the_tox_lab Email us here: thetoxlab@gmail.com

    27 min

  3. SEP 22

    Episode 46: The Kappa Hypothesis - Medetomidine, Dysphoria, and Hallucinations

    This week on The Tox Lab, we’re discussing medetomidine and its unexpected association with hallucinations. We review a recent paper highlighting its emergence in the drug supply and the apparent increase in hallucinatory effects reported with its use. Although medetomidine has been linked to reducing post-operative delirium, we also discuss a case report of dexmedetomidine-induced delirium in a patient with schizophrenia — adding to the complexity of this picture. And yes, we even wonder what dogs might be dreaming about when they come round from their vet visit. We then explore a possible mechanism for these effects, including the hypothesis that activity at the kappa opioid receptor could play a role. We'd love to hear your thoughts on this, so please get in touch! Hope you enjoy! Links to the papers we discussed: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/dar.70024 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11312422/ Disclaimer: All opinions are our own. Find us on instagram: @the_tox_lab Email us here: thetoxlab@gmail.com

    19 min

  4. SEP 15

    Episode 45: Diarylethylamines – The Rise, Risks, and Disappearance of Ketamine Substitutes

    This week on The Tox Lab, we’re taking a closer look at diphenidine and other diarylethylamines — a class of drugs that briefly emerged as alternatives to ketamine. We explore their history, reported effects, and the fatalities linked to their use before they faded from the drug scene. With current discussions around reclassifying ketamine, we ask: could diphenidine — or similar substances — make a comeback? Join us as we unpack the toxicology, the risks, and the lessons from their short but impactful appearance. Hope you enjoy! Link to the paper we discussed: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/02698811251349203?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed Disclaimer: All opinions are our own. Find us on instagram: @the_tox_lab Email us here: thetoxlab@gmail.com

    16 min

  5. SEP 8

    Episode 44: Ozempic and GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs – Benefits, Overdose, and Counterfeits

    This week on The Tox Lab, we’re diving into the world of GLP-1 receptor agonists, including the well-known weight loss drug Ozempic. We explore how these drugs work and their potential benefits beyond weight loss, including effects on heart health. We then discuss a case of intentional Ozempic overdose, examining the clinical presentation and outcomes. Finally, we turn to the growing problem of counterfeit Ozempic — exploring what’s really in these fake products, why people are taking the risk, and the dangers this trend poses for public health. Join us as we unpack both the promise and the pitfalls of this so-called “miracle” drug. Hope you enjoy! Links to the papers we discussed: https://journals.lww.com/practicalpsychiatry/abstract/2024/11000/clinical_manifestations_of_semaglutide_overdose__a.10.aspx https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2821502 https://www.bmj.com/content/383/bmj.p2506.full https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10739421/ Disclaimer: All opinions are our own. Find us on instagram: @the_tox_lab Email us here: thetoxlab@gmail.com

    18 min

  6. SEP 1

    Episode 43: Toxicology Mysteries – A Series of Poisoning Cases

    This week on The Tox Lab, we’re shaking things up with a case-based mystery episode. We walk through four real-life poisoning cases, starting with how each patient presented and progressed, before revealing the substance behind the toxic effects. Can you solve the puzzle before we uncover the cause? If you like this style of episode, let us know in the comments below! Hope you enjoy! ⚠️ Spoiler alert! Links to the papers we discussed: A case of glitter poisoning: https://www.thepoisonjournal.com/articles/severe-glitter-poisoning-case-report Snake firework ingestion: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15563650.2025.2474563 Mass Aconite poisoning:https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15563650.2025.2526115 - Don't forget to check out The Poison Lab podcast for a deep dive into this case! A case of bromism ingestion after AI advice: https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/aimcc.2024.1260 Editor’s note: Yes, we mixed up “chloride” with “chlorine” and “bromide” with “bromine.” If you do the same, don’t worry — we’ll cover your case in a future episode. Disclaimer: All opinions are our own. Find us on instagram: @the_tox_lab Email us here: thetoxlab@gmail.com

    25 min

  7. AUG 25

    Episode 42: 2C-B vs Tucibi (Pink Cocaine) – What’s the Difference?

    This week on The Tox Lab, we’re talking about 2C-B and “Tusi” — two drugs often confused, but very different in composition and effects. We explore Dutch Poison Information Centre data on 2C-B, examining reported exposures and the spectrum of effects across low, moderate, and high doses. We then turn to casework from the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner Toxicology Laboratory to look at “Tusi” (also known as Tucibi or pink cocaine), discussing what’s actually found in these samples and what this means for interpretation. Join us as we untangle the realities behind these two commonly misunderstood substances. Hope you enjoy! Links to the papers we discussed: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S019606442030278X#:~:text=Conclusion,addition%20to%20mild%20somatic%20effects https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/1556-4029.70012 Disclaimer: All opinions are our own. Find us on instagram: @the_tox_lab Email us here: thetoxlab@gmail.com

    23 min

  8. AUG 18

    Episode 41: Can One Dose Cure Addiction? The Promise and Peril of Ibogaine

    This week on The Tox Lab, we’re taking a closer look at ibogaine — a plant-derived alkaloid attracting interest as a potential treatment for addiction. We discuss a study from New Zealand exploring its use in opioid dependence, while also highlighting the serious risks reported in case studies, including severe cardiotoxicity. We then turn to National Poisons Information Service data to examine recent trends in ibogaine use in the UK. Can the therapeutic potential of ibogaine ever outweigh its dangers? Join us as we unpack the evidence, the risks, and the unanswered questions around this compound. Hope you enjoy! Link to the papers we discussed: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/00952990.2017.1310218?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15563650.2024.2447500#:~:text=Our%20cases%20are%20consistent%20with,of%20cardiac%20output%20and%20arrest https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/joa3.12061 https://erowid.org/experiences/exp.php?ID=63089 Disclaimer: All opinions are our own. Find us on instagram: @the_tox_lab Email us here: thetoxlab@gmail.com

    23 min
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About

The Tox Lab is a podcast dedicated to exploring the science of toxicology and its real-world implications. Each week we aim to break down complex research, investigate real-life cases, and discuss emerging trends in toxicology. Disclaimer: All opinions are our own. Find us on instagram: @the_tox_lab Email us here: thetoxlab@gmail.com

Information

  • Creator
    The Tox Lab
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    48
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Tox Lab
  • Show Website
    The Tox Lab

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